How to Start A Career in Tech in Kenya

East Africa, and Africa as a continent is undergoing a series of revolutions that leave much to be anticipated about in its future development. The technology scene in Kenya is one of these hot spots of activities and innovations. Tagged as the “Silicon Savannah”, Kenya has been recorded as one of the African countries home to some of the best cutting-edge technologies on the continent. 

This intense spring of ideas and innovations has led many to consider breaking into the tech industry and technology as a discipline. However, just like every other field of expertise, the tech industry is not one to venture into without counting the costs. This article helps you gain insight into what to do and what to avoid in your quest to break into the technology hub in Kenya.

1. Identify the numerous aspects of the tech industry and decide on where you will focus on.

Just like in the Sciences or Arts, there are numerous specialties in the tech space that require careful study and appraisal of each one to know what fits best for an individual. Specialties like Software Development, Data Analytics, Cyber security, and Artificial Intelligence have taken precedence in the past years in Kenya. But, specialties like Health Tech, UI/UX, Game Development and Design, and Product Management are areas yet to be mined to their fullest capacity. To fully understand what size fits you, you must carefully explore what interests you or what you do best. This way, you will be in a better state to pick out your specialty of interest without pressure.

2. Attend professional training tailored to your specialty of interest

The introduction of technology has made the world a global village and quality education on any subject matter can be accessed from any part of the world.

To build a successful tech career in Kenya, you should take care of making the mistake of being a generalist with no deep expertise in any aspect of technology. This can be carried out by registering for conferences, attending seminars, and taking courses relating to your field of interest.

Not only will doing this open you up to the recent trends and Kenyan government policies regarding the tech space, but it will also create an avenue to network and build working relationships with people who are from the same field.

3. Explore local opportunities first

Although the influx of foreign intervention in the technology scene in Kenya might serve as a source of temptation to look out for foreign opportunities only, it is beneficial to also step back and look into opportunities made available locally. One of the resources to access to help with this is the innovation iHub in Kenya which has helped to connect many Kenyan tech enthusiasts with appropriate opportunities. 

Getting actively engaged in the activities of communities such as these will help you understand the local tech market in Kenya and how to maneuver your way successfully. After successfully gaining a firm stand in the local tech scene, then you can begin to consider spreading your reach and attempt to break into the technology industry in any other country, either in Africa or overseas.

4. Have an excellent job search strategy

One of the major milestones anyone successful in the tech scene has recorded is having a well-crafted job search strategy. This will involve starting from the lowest hierarchy for most or learning on the go for others. Both of these strategies require an iota of deliberateness and intensity for a tech enthusiast in Kenya. This is because the efflux and influx of different technology companies into the country might seem tempting enough to enable one hop from one employment to another - which is a vital sign of instability. To gain a strong foothold in the tech industry in East Africa and Kenya, you must ensure to be single-minded, strategic, and firm on what you want and how you will get it. This attitude will help you create a beautiful curriculum vitae when you step out in search of a position.

In your quest for an opening in the technology industry, your job search strategy should also include having spontaneous answers, ideas, and innovations that will help improve the future of tech in Kenya and in Africa as a whole.

The tech space in Kenya is one where you get to build your grit, resilience, and attention for excellence. Having the big break will most likely not happen overnight, however, by staying through with the decision you make from the start, you can become one of the many wonders of technology Kenya has ever produced. Kenya is increasingly becoming an attractive source of technological innovations and its impact on the economic environment in East Africa should not be overlooked.

References

1. Resilient Digital Africa, 26 March 2024, https://resilient.digital-africa.co/en/blog/2024/03/26/kenya-emerges-as-africas-premier-technology-market/

2. iHub Africa, https://ihub.co.ke/

Damaged Undersea Cable Disrupts Internet Connectivity Across Africa: Houthi Involvement Suspected

In a significant development impacting digital communication across Africa, a damaged undersea cable has led to widespread loss of internet connectivity in various regions. The affected cable, belonging to SEACOM, a prominent provider of connectivity to businesses and companies in Africa, has resulted in disruptions that are particularly affecting Nigerian businesses.

The cause of the damage to the undersea cable remains under investigation, with multiple factors being considered. One potential cause suggested by Israeli media outlets is the involvement of Houthi forces, who have been targeting cargo ships in the region as part of their support for Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Houthis, an armed political and religious group in Yemen, have recently been engaged in aggressive actions in the Red Sea, including the hijacking of a commercial ship and launching missile and drone attacks on other vessels. These activities have raised concerns about their potential involvement in damaging the undersea cables critical for internet connectivity.

Oliver Fortuin, the Group CEO of SEACOM and a former Group Enterprise officer at MTN, highlighted the extensive impact of the cable damage. He mentioned that not only SEACOM's cable but also cables operated by other telecom operators like TGN, Europe-one, and Europe India Gateway were affected.

The Europe India Gateway cable, in particular, connects several countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, highlighting the broader ramifications of the connectivity disruption. Tata Communications, operator of the TGN cable, confirmed service disruptions due to cable damage near Yemen, affecting connectivity in various regions.

Repair efforts are underway, with SEACOM and its repair partner E-marine awaiting permits to commence repairs in the Red Sea. However, the geopolitical complexities of the situation,  are expected to delay the repair process significantly.

Countries primarily affected by the internet connectivity disruptions include those in East Asia, Egypt, and Kenya. The extent of the impact on these regions underscores the critical importance of undersea cables in maintaining global digital connectivity and the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in safeguarding these vital communication channels.

Disclaimer: This news release is based on available information and ongoing investigations. Details may be subject to change as new information becomes available.

2024 TECH CONFERENCES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN EAST AFRICA

In this technological era, what better way to grow, network, and stay informed than attending tech conferences? Here in this write-up are some conferences in East Africa to organise in your yearly conference schedule. 

Connected Banking East Africa

Topping your finance A-game and confidently navigating this complex financial landscape, you should not miss the 11th Edition of the summit in conjunction with Innovation & Excellence Awards – East Africa holding in Nairobi, Kenya. This summit, focusing on crafting the Future of Banking with Inclusion & Digital Evolution is set to showcase notable experienced industry personnels interested in the finance industry's newest trends and technologies. Over 20 sessions anchored by about 35 speakers telling individualized success stories will provide practical insights and networking opportunities to share ideas and best practices on digital banking solutions.

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya.

Date: 6th March, 2024.

MWC Kigali

Previous themes at MWC Kigali have focused on FinTech, HealthTech, and developing mobile technology in Africa. At this three-in-one event featuring MWC Kigali in collaboration with Africa HealthTech Summit and Smart Africa, the opportunity for one to engage with business leaders across the globe, numerous industry stakeholders, and Africa's top government officials for collaborative purpose in business ventures contributing to the transfomation of ICT in Africa is provided. 

Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

Date: 29 - 31 October, 2024.

Microfinance Tech Summit (MTS 2024)

The 2024 Kigali MTS is the 2nd of its kind aiming in housing over 500 delegates from various digital works of life such as microfinance institutions, technology experts, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to rub minds on digitization in microfinance for improved customer experience. The summit addresses integrating technology in microfinance, user data protection, partnerships, and investments in technology-led initiatives.

Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

Date: 23 - 24 May 2024.

FinTech Festival Tanzania

This event for Financial Technology in East Africa offers a space for the FinTech community to interact and work on innovative ideas, from several conferences to exhibitions and awards. The event is significant in developing the ecosystem and improving partnerships between Tanzania and global FinTech.

Location: Julius Nyerere International Convention Center (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Date: 28 - 29 November 2024.

Africa ICS Cybersecurity Conference and Expo 2024

To prevent impediments in the economical growth of Africa, usually caused by data breaches and cybersecurity attacks, this event aims to address Africa’s Industrial Control Systems security. This Nairobi conference is intended to call attention to lectures on the trendiest areas in the Africa ICS sector, the benefits of SCADA security systems, challenges, and insights at the Africa ICS Business meeting, the Africa Women in Cyber Security Forum, and more. 

Location:  Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi City

Date: 11th - 13th June, 2024.

The ICT Expo 2024 Africa

With topics spanning IoT, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Telecoms, E-commerce, and others, the expo plans to pitch the digital divide within Africa. The event proposes to communicate strategies and investments enabling the availability of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in rural and remote communities.

Location: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

Date: April 25th - 26th, 2024

Attending any of these tech events across East Africa will provide a valuable experience in exchange for your time. At these conferences, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and industry leaders, stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, and acquire new skills and knowledge.

VIEBEG: A HEALTH TECH FIRM'S PASSION FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN AFRICA

Healthcare is of utmost importance worldwide especially in low-income Africa where the challenge of quality, accessibility and affordability is still being faced but an harmonious well-functioning health system is dependent on trained and motivated health providers, well-maintained infrastructure, and reliable supply of medicines and technologies which is what the Viebeg Medical firm has tried and is still trying to ensure across various hospitals in Africa for close to 5  years now.

About Viebeg Technologies

Viebeg Technologies is an African health tech firm responsible for the provision of high-quality medical supplies and equipment in Africa through an innovative procurement platform. It incorporates the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) driven procurement system referred to as 'VieProcure' to de-risk and augment every aspect of the supply chain in hard-to-serve markets thus, allowing healthcare providers to purchase medical consumables and equipment automatically, transparently, and efficiently. 

VieProcure, the AI-powered Inventory Management and Procurement System for hospitals was built to ensure the consistent availability and accessibility of medical products, and to anticipate shocks of any kind ranging from climate events to civil unrest for the optimum timely delivery of live-saving health products in challenging environments. VieProcure also comprises a data-driven logistics platform which ensures health care facilities receive the accurate type and quantities of medical supplies in stock for the proper treatment of her patients. The AI-driven platform is capable of connecting healthcare providers directly with manufacturers rather than brokers and middlemen present in the supply chain thus, reducing cost by 40 percent for its consumers.

Founders of Viebeg Technologies

Viebeg Technologies was launched in 2018 by Tobias Reiter, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who has had previous experience building AI-driven platforms, and Alex Musyoka, the Chief Commercial Officer who has sales and operations experience through senior roles at East Africa’s largest medical supply companies. The AI enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by Alex and Tobias birthed the company in that they saw the immense potential of technology in solving the tragic problem of shortage of quality timely medical supply in Africa and its consequence of massive yearly casualties.

Viebeg Technologies mission 

Viebeg has established a commercial presence in some countries in East Africa such as Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thereby, serving above 500 consumers since its launch in 2018. Its ultimate goal is the expansion of the services to regions throughout Africa in general which was motivated by issues in Central and East Africa, where healthcare systems and providers struggle to purchase and retain vital medical equipment and supplies in stock. The health-tech company is currently serving more than 1,000 hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare professionals in Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Viebeg's current state 

Viebeg has successfully secured funding from reputable venture capital firms such as Beyond Capital Ventures, Global Ventures, Angaza Capital, Founders Factory Africa, Norrsken, and others in the past, therefore, amounting to over $2.5 million. Most recent investment sometime last year from Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, an impact fund under the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, and Sanofi Global Health Unit Impact Fund is expected to propel Viebeg Medical to greater heights in its mission to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region of Central and East Africa. Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures Investments Director, David Higgins, professed that their company is excited to support and grow the vital work of Viebeg via strengthening the ability of health systems to provide care to their consumers.

Conclusion 

Tobias Reiter and Alex Musyoka founded a company that incorporated Artificial Intelligence into their healthcare offerings, addressing a pressing issue in African communities. While it's easy to overlook the significance and impact of technology in various African industries, particularly healthcare, it's crucial to recognize the potential of innovation to overcome challenges and improve the lives of millions of people.

AIPI GRADUATES 3RD BATCH OF STUDENTS FROM ITS UPSKILLING PROGRAM.

Tech UpSkill, an initiative that focuses on building the next generation of global talents, enhancing gender equality, and providing job opportunities, just graduated its 3rd batch. This training program was brought by Access to International Partnerships in IT (AIPI) in partnership with an association consisting of 250 start-up firms, kLab, and FabLab. The program's major goal is to close the skill gap by providing training, experience, and mentorship across Rwanda for the youths that desire to refine their technical skills.

THE 3RD COHORT GRADUATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY

This recently graduated batch included 88 individuals who are either secondary or university students who got certificates following the training program, which lasted for 4 months in software and hardware development. They demonstrated practical skills by working on projects in both aspects. These projects were showcased at the award ceremony, and a panel of professionals was set up to examine the projects that stood out and deserved to be rewarded.

For the Hardware category, the top three winners included a Plastic Recycling 3D Printer - a machine that was produced to recycle waste plastics into filament, a Clean robot made for cleaning smooth surfaces with future plans to be enhanced so it can remove waste in water bodies, and a Charcoal Briquetting machine and briquettes production which produces cooking energy-saving briquettes from public waste.

Meanwhile, in the software category; Eco-learn built to offer front and backend web-based interfaces that educate those in Rwanda about the environment, SP Gaz, a platform to order for gas online, and Farmie that helps connect farmers to markets were the 3 projects that won respectively.

During the training, the students were provided with an area and tools for the course. They also had all the materials and needed resources made available to them to ensure they could grow and make an impact in the tech industry locally and internationally.

The CEO of the Rwanda ICT Chambers, Alex Ntale, presided over the graduation ceremony and stated that the chamber is working with the government to explore all avenues and partnerships to improve youth ICT skills in order to further the nation’s goal of becoming a tech hub.

TECH UPSKILL'S IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

Data from the training program showed that only 22% of the individuals who participated in the 3rd cohort were females. This depicts that women are underrepresented in the tech ecosystem. The program aims to solve this gender gap by equipping women with whatever is needed to grow a tech career. This is not only done to increase gender equality but also ensure Rwanda’s talent pool is maximized to its full potential.

This program played a part in providing solutions to unemployment by creating over 400 job opportunities. Tech UpSkill is passionate about contributing to the economy. An electronic and telecommunication student at IPRC Tumba, Nadine Manishimwe, and a developer from the Plastic Recycling 3D Printer group say that boldness to experiment with practical skills is necessary to support females in STEM and that the training helped her when it came to improving the skills she learned. It also assisted her in creating new business ideas that can be a source of income.

A former student of INES Ruhengeri (Industrial IT), in the briquetting group, Cyriacca Urwibutso stated that in order to increase the number of women in the Technology industry, there is a need to push young girls to trust in themselves and face any fear that prevents them from going into careers dominated by males.

The Tech UpSkill has had an impact on young tech developers, according to Dr. Geraldine Schmitz, the AIPI Project Director, and preparations are in place to seek additional financing to maintain the field of tech advancements.

ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS IN IT (AIPI) AND RWANDA ICT CHAMBERS

Access to International Partnerships in IT (AIPI) is built on an alliance between the ICT Chambers in Rwanda and Bundesverband IT-Mittelstand e. V. (BITMi), an IT firm based in Germany. AIPI was founded to improve the ICT sector in Rwanda and Germany by implementing diverse initiatives that facilitate cooperation and growth in both countries' technology ecosystems.

Rwanda ICT Chambers is an organisation that is focused on assisting its members with the development of skills, advocacy, financing, and access to the market all in the Rwanda ICT sector. The firm plans to make Rwanda the top community influenced by information and community technology (ICT) and be at the forefront of this economic and cultural transformation.

CONCLUSION

The Tech UpSkill training has gotten praise from individuals with influence due to its frequent efforts to ensure opportunities and skills development courses, both technical and entrepreneurial, for the youths. The program has had success, which is displayed by positive impact, achievements, and reviews gotten from those who were beneficiaries of the program.

NEW NATIONAL IDs IN UGANDA TO FEATURE IRIS BIOMETRICS

Uganda is making technological progress as their National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is set to introduce Iris Biometrics as an additional security feature in its national IDs. This will be carried out alongside the registration the Ugandan government initially planned, which was to offer either new or renewed National ID to its citizens estimated to be 30 million. The mass registration exercise to enrol Ugandans into the new system is scheduled to begin on the 1st of  June, 2024, and the process will be concluded in January 2025. These new national IDs will be needed as a required document when travelling within the East African region. The last batch of national IDs, with a validity of 10 years, were issued in 2014 and 2015. These new national IDs would also be valid for a decade.

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

The registration process is available to all citizens living in or outside Uganda and are above 16 years of age. The enrolment option is for those who do not presently own an ID or have never registered for one. There is also an option to renew the national ID, which is open to those who got their national ID issued in 2014 or 2015 as these national IDs would expire in either 2024 or 2025. For the individuals whose national IDs will expire after 2025, they are not required to renew their national IDs at this level.

To make the registration and renewal process seamless, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)  plans to put up mobile enrolment sites across districts in Uganda. Anyone applying would have to fill out a form for either enrolment or renewal of the IDs, and afterwards, their biometrics will be collected. The application can be done in person at the mobile site or online as NIRA plans to ensure that those with access to the  Internet can start their applications online and later on visit the established mobile sites to complete their application which involves the collection of individual’s biometrics. There are no charges for the registration and renewal process. However, there is  a cost of Shs50,000 ($12.9) attached to express service for individuals who want to get their national IDs within 48 hours. This is also the cost to replace a lost ID.

 IRIS BIOMETRICS 

The Iris biometrics is another form of biometric authentication the same way fingerprints are used to identify individuals. The Iris is the coloured ring outline in each eye that surrounds the pupil. Every person’s iris has a different pattern that is mostly unchangeable throughout the years. The Iris biometrics detects the distinct patterns in the eye, and this biometric data will be inputted into the identity management system.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) explained that introducing the iris biometrics is to improve the security feature for its national ID and in these ID cards, there will also be inclusion of a unique element that can be detected with Ultraviolet (UV) light. This will discourage individuals from falsification or cloning of the cards as attempting to do so would be far more challenging.

LIMITATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE 

There are doubts regarding delay of the enrolment process as The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) seems to have trouble with the preparations for this process.  This may be due to inadequate money needed to hire staff for the registration as well as purchase the major systems necessary for the process. If a delay occurs, it would lead to the national IDs not being ready in time and cause a major complication as the ID cards are used in various authentication activities.

Gen. David Muhoozi, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, based on a report, spoke about the issues being faced relating to funding. He stated that while the Government has approved a supplementary budget of Shs300 billion ($77.5 million) to tackle this issue, Shs192 billion ($49.6 million) is the amount that has been disbursed and there isn’t enough funds available to employ the registration staff.

The Minister, however, confirmed that the procurement of the necessary systems is ongoing and the registration staff are undergoing training about the new National Security Information System in India.

When the issue of renewing the national IDs after 10 years was questioned, the Minister explained that security features on the national IDs degrade over time. He further said that the physical features of registered persons may change, hence the significance of the renewal process after 10 years.

CONCLUSION 

Other African countries such as Malawi, Morocco, Benin, and Zimbabwe have implemented biometric authentication in their national Identification systems. This program, taken up by Uganda is aimed at  strengthening  security and decreasing fraudulent activities. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to utilising technology to improve their national security and identification process. 

SAWA ENERGY ON A MISSION TO BECOME EAST AFRICA’S LARGEST SOLAR POWER PRIVATE PROVIDER

 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) across East Africa have been grappling with power challenges for decades. Sawa Energy with operations in Rwanda and Uganda is putting a halt to the issue of power small scale business owners face via offering integrated energy interventions at no cost, no operation and maintenance fees, and ensuring a seamless worry-free transition to greener and more affordable energy.

Sawa Energy gained the financial support of Renew Capital, an investment company that believes in Sawa Energy’s mission and goals. 

ABOUT SAWA ENERGY

For a renewable resource company established in 2021, its mission and goals are quite ambitious. Sawa Energy’s mission extends its tentacles beyond the horizons of providing power in that it focuses on creating, possessing  and operating solar systems for numerous consumers thus, ensuring significant money saving together with reducing electricity pricing fluctuations, as long-term outcomes. These outcomes, in no doubt, are in obvious alignment with the vision, mission, values, and objectives of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). The primary aim of Sawa Energy is to become the largest private provider of solar power seeking to deploy 50 MW by 2030 while supporting 1,000 clients. 

Sawa Energy, founded by a group of tri-entrepreneurs, popularly known to be environmentally and socially conscious, consistently infuse notable experiences from solar, finance, and business into the existence of the innovation in Africa Samuel Kaufman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder of Sawa Energy firmly emphasized the company is passionate about building a business whose delivery is rooted in three strong pillars-building partnerships with East African companies; reducing emissions; and providing robust returns to the investors. Sawa Energy firmly believes in all their stakeholders benefiting from the already established sustainable model. Other team members of Sawa Energy excluding the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is an investor and operator comprise of ‘Jordan Zipkin’, an active entrepreneur and investor in climate tech; ‘Edwin Oloo’, an experienced professional in the Solar Industry for over 7 years; ‘Eder Munyampenda’, a seasoned engineer with design and project supervision experience across the Rwanda country; ‘Allan Okello’, a business development professional with backgrounds in Ugandan solar industry and tech-enabled travel sector; ‘Elsa Izere’, the only female team member is a seasoned investment professional with a focus on sustainable and climate investments within the African markets; ‘Sadiki Businge’, a natural-born entrepreneur with strong flare for technology and renewable energy; ‘Moses Munyui’, a business development specialist with 10 years experience in renewable energy; and ‘Guillaume Charpenel’, an active entrepreneur, investor and catalyst in the area of renewable energy in Ontario.

SAWA ENERGY’S STEPS FOR EFFECTIVENESS

In ensuring the business owners save, Sawa Energy highlighted three (3) steps for effectiveness. The First task is to ‘Schedule a call’. This provides them with insight into your energy needs as well as decipher if their service will be a good fit for you. Second on the list is the ‘On-site visit’ where an energy specialist is sent to your abode for the purpose of assessing the project’s viability and to determine suitable sites for the solar system. The finale involves ‘Getting a new electricity tariff plan’ with the sole aim of ensuring clients enjoy affordable, renewable energy for 35 years.

SAWA ENERGY’S PARTNERS

For effective functionality of the company’s vision and goals, Sawa Energy has partnered with numerous bodies ranging from engineering partners (like EAP, Equatorsolar and All in Trade) to funding partners (such as PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited {PwC], Energy + Environmental Economics {E3}, Legalwise Chambers and Tugliq Energy) but of recent, Sawa Energy won the heart of a funding company evident by this statement ‘Sawa Energy’s approach to affordable and sustainable energy solutions is transformative for East African SME’ uttered by ‘Blessing Layee-Maima Caine’, the company’s investment manager for Rwanda. This newest funding company is none other than the famous Renew Capital. Sawa Energy has definitely hit the jackpot in securing this able and worthy partner capable of ensuring the 2030 goal of being the largest private provider of solar power is met all over East Africa. Renew Capital is proud to support Sawa Energy’s vision of a future where businesses can grow sustainably and cost-effectively. This support has further rooted the plans of Sawa Energy for small and medium-sized business owners in the whole of East Africa. Renew Capital believes in investing in Africa’s small and medium enterprises so as to develop its private sectors. 

To draw the curtain, in an overpopulated region like East Africa where hydropower is the preponderant source of electricity, the invention of solar power by Sawa Energy is one to be embraced by notable capable funding companies across East Africa for the improvement of the general public at large.